Don't get me wrong, old town Scottsdale is still a nice place to visit. We've visited several times over the years since 2000 and can see a slow change. We feel it used to have more of the old west charm, family friendly, safe and laid back. We feel it's increasingly more upmarket art galleries, jewellery shops and more panhandlers (one of which was a bit verbally aggressive which made us move on quickly) - we understand the cost of living and social/mental/drug problems can be a cause which is also a problem here in the UK. There's still a few places holding on to the old charm like the Sugar Bowl, Mexican Imports etc. There used to be a lovely shop we couldn't now find selling native and western things at reasonable prices run by some older ladies but couldn't remember what the shop was called or exactly where it was in old town, I guess that's history like the nice ice cream parlour Cactus Cones I think it was called. Scottsdale city states that free parking is now 2 hours but it was still 3 hours as before when we went so not sure what's going on there, I hope they've dropped that idea (there was ample free parking). I do hope that Old Town Scottsdale doesn't turn like in to a little version of Hollywood with all the contradicting fakery and deprivation that comes along with that. Will be interesting to see again in a few more years time.

We go every year for my wife's birthday celebration. We usually stay at the Marriott Old Town or the Valley Ho. The Marriott is a bit less expensive and actually is closer to the center of Old Town. The Valley Ho is a retro-mod hotel and good fun. We usually park the car and walk everywhere during the weekend. We always hit the Rusty Spur Saloon. A small place, but big fun!! They most always have a solo artist playing good music and the staff is great. We usually take in the shops and galleries during the day and typically try different restaurants each evening. A few recommended places to see: The Waterfront Fashion Square Museums Many galleries and stores in old town A few recommended places to eat: Citizen Public House (upscale but reasonable) JT Prime Kitchen (a bit small & "dark" but good food, a tad $$$$) The Mission (good Mexican food - if outside watch out for the birds at dusk) Bootleggers (good smokehouse, usually not too crowded. Try the shine) Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers (typical burger & beer joint but tasty) We tried Bourbon & Bones once and found it very overpriced and not very good. Service and atmosphere below par. Have fun!

Old Scottsdale is so much fun. The art galleries are beautiful. The Museum of the West is fabulous. The modern art is incredible. The movies are so interesting. The silver saddles and cowboy relics are fun to see….and the statues are quite remarkable. And then there are the restaurants which are fabulous. A day in old Scottsdale is well worth the trip!

Plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, boutique shops, but otherwise nothing to write home about. Parking is plentiful and free in the garages. We walked for an hour or so and then headed for a Mexican dinner. Some boutiques have really pretty glass vases and statuettes.

Fun shops and a nice way to spend a few hours. Quaint streets and beautiful art offerings and jewelry. Nice restaurants. Volunteers staff an information booth in the center of the area and are very helpful. Walk to the park and enjoy the outdoor art and great weather.

I went to Scottsdale with friends for a few days. We stayed at the Hyatt Old Town, which was a great location. We were able to walk to all the great restaurants, bars, shops and galleries. We enjoyed our time in Scottsdale. Everyone we encountered was kind and polite. The hospitality was off the charts.

We spent our last day checking out Old Town Scottsdale & were extremely thrilled we spent some time there. So many beautiful shops, galleries & boutiques to check out & shopping galore. I think we spent about 4 hours & ended our day at the legendary Rusty Spur Saloon. We got to the saloon mid afternoon so it was busy. As I walk with a walker the only seating available was on the stools at the bar. We were in the midst of leaving & a very kind patron tapped me on the back & said they were just ready to leave & we could have their table. When we sat down the women & her 2 companions stayed up at the bar for about another half an hour. A big shout out thank you does not suffice her kindness!! The Rusty Spur had a very talented guitar singer & everyone was enjoying him thoroughly but more could have tipped him. As everything is made with the prickly pear cactus what would be better than enjoying a Prickly Pear Margaretta. The fun bar stools are a must picture taking memory. Be sure to put Old Town Scottsdale on your itinerary & you will be glad you did!!

We chose to fly down, take a Lyft to the hotel and not get a rental car. Good choice! Downtown old town has hotels and a lot of restaurants that you can walk to if you stay downtown. Old town has a lot of galleries and other shopping options (if you are into that). Overall however, we loved walking everywhere and only used Lyft to and from the airport.

Three of us visited Old Town on Feb. 3rd when it hosted El Parada Del Sol Parade. Lots of horses and marching bands! This was followed by a "Street Fair." The streets were blocked off from traffic and there were food trucks, Mexican dancing performances, beer tents and several outdoor live music venues. LOTS of people walking, shopping, eating, dancing and just enjoying themselves! There are lots of interesting shops, some with museum quality wares. There are lots of restaurants and cafes, most with outdoor dining. I found Old Town to be tony and upscale, while at the same time, comfortable and laid-back, with an Old West vibe. I would have loved to have spent more time here!

I love going to an Old Town on vacation, but it seems that the merchandise in a lot of the shops is touristy junk that no one looks forward to receiving. On the other hand, there are a lot of nice Native American shops with individuality. As in any tourist location, stuff is overpriced, then they offer 20-70% off. Sometimes you see a real bargain, but for the most part, not.